Firearm with Ambidextrous Safety

ABSTRACT

A firearm has ambidextrously actuatable safety levers with the connection between the levers being effected within the frame and offset from the frame centerline to mitigate lost motion between the levers and prevent yielding of the shaft connecting them. The levers have raised surface portions which are hidden behind a plate. The raised surface portions contact the frame and, because they are hidden behind the plate, leave no visible marks on the finish due to rotation of the levers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to firearms, such as semi-automatic pistols, having safety mechanisms conveniently actuatable when the firearm is held in either hand.

BACKGROUND

Ambidextrously actuatable safety levers are desirable, especially on single action, self-loading or semi-automatic pistols such as the Model 1911 which are carried “cocked and locked”, that is, cocked and ready to fire but with the sear and slide locked by a safety mechanism. There are, however, many design challenges to the ambidextrous safety. For example, in some prior art designs, the left safety lever directly actuates the safety mechanism between the safe and fire positions when it is rotated, while the right safety lever must rotate the left safety lever in order to actuate the safety between the safe and fire positions, only the left safety lever being directly engaged with the safety mechanism. Thus, the connection between the right and left safety levers must transmit significant torque without significant lost motion or “play”. In prior art designs, engagement between the right and left levers is often afforded by shafts extending from each lever and joined internal to the firearm via a tongue and groove at the ends of each shaft. However, the limited amount of space within the firearm results in a shaft that is too small in diameter to take the required torque without exceeding the yield stress of the material forming the shaft. Thus with each operation of the safety some yielding occurs, which, in turn, leads to increased lost motion and eventually, unreliable safety operation. There is clearly a need for an improvement in ambidextrous safeties for firearms.

A common problem shared by safety levers in general, is that they tend to scratch the frame of the firearm over repeated actuations and mar the finish. Such scratches are unsightly and tend to reduce the value of used firearms. It would be advantageous if actuation of a safety lever left no visible marks on the firearm.

SUMMARY

The invention concerns a firearm. In one example embodiment the firearm comprises a frame having a centerline and a safety mechanism having a first lever mounted on a first side of the frame and a second lever mounted on a second side of the frame opposite to the first side thereof. Each of the levers is rotatable between a safe position, preventing firearm discharge, and a fire position, permitting firearm discharge. A shaft extends between the first and second levers transversely to the centerline through an opening in the frame. A first coupling connects the shaft to the first lever. The first coupling is located within the opening in the frame and is offset from the frame centerline.

In one example embodiment, the first coupling comprises a collar attached to the first lever. The collar projects from the first lever transversely to the frame centerline. The collar is received within the opening and has a bore that receives the shaft. In a particular example embodiment, the first coupling may further comprise a threaded fastener positioned within the bore of the collar for securing the shaft to the lever. By way of example, the threaded fastener may comprise an externally threaded shank located on an end of the shaft and an internally threaded nut engaged with the shank within the bore of the collar.

In another example embodiment, the first coupling further comprises at least one key positioned within the bore of the collar. The shaft has at least one keyway receiving the at least one key and prevents relative rotation between the first lever and the shaft. By way of example, the at least one key may be integrally formed with the collar.

In another example embodiment, the first coupling further comprises at least one key projecting outwardly from the shaft. The collar has at least one keyway positioned within its bore which receives the at least one key and prevents relative rotation between the first lever and the shaft.

In another example embodiment, the first coupling further comprises a pair of keys positioned within the bore of the collar. The shaft has a pair of keyways which receive the pair of keys within the bore of the collar.

In a particular example embodiment, the shaft is integrally formed with the second lever.

By way of further example, the firearm comprises a second coupling connecting the shaft to the second lever. In this example the second coupling is located within the opening in the frame and offset from the frame centerline oppositely disposed to the first coupling.

The invention further encompasses a pistol. In one example embodiment, the pistol comprises a frame having a centerline. A slide is mounted on the frame and is movable between a battery position and an open position. The slide has a notch positioned on one side thereof. The pistol includes a safety mechanism having a first lever mounted on a first side of the frame and a second lever mounted on a second side of the frame opposite to the first side thereof. Each of the levers is rotatable between a safe position, wherein at least one of the levers engages the notch when the slide is in the battery position, and a fire position, wherein the at least one lever is not in engagement with the notch when the slide is in the battery position. A shaft extends between the first and second levers transversely to the centerline through an opening in the frame. A first coupling connects the shaft to the first lever. The first coupling is located within the opening in the frame and offset from the frame centerline.

In an example embodiment, the first coupling comprises a collar attached to the first lever which projects therefrom transversely to the frame centerline. The collar is received within the opening and has a bore receiving the shaft. By way of example the first coupling may further comprise a threaded fastener positioned within the bore of the collar for securing the shaft to the lever. In a particular example embodiment, the threaded fastener comprises an externally threaded shank located on an end of the shaft and an internally threaded nut engaged with the shank within the bore of the collar.

In another example embodiment, the first coupling may further comprise at least one key positioned within the bore of the collar. The shaft has at least one keyway which receives the at least one key and prevents relative rotation between the first lever and the shaft.

Again by way of example, the first coupling may further comprise at least one key projecting outwardly from the shaft. The collar has at least one keyway positioned within the bore which receives the at least one key and prevents relative rotation between the first lever and the shaft.

In another example embodiment, the first coupling may further comprise a pair of keys positioned within the bore of the collar. The shaft has a pair of keyways which receive the pair of keys within the bore of the collar. In this example the keys may be integrally formed with the collar. Also by way of example, the shaft may be integrally formed with the second lever.

The invention also encompasses a lever for actuating a safety mechanism of a firearm. In one example embodiment the lever comprises a plate having a first surface positionable in facing relation with the firearm and a second surface disposed oppositely thereto. A projection is mounted on and extends outwardly from the second surface. A portion of the first surface comprises a raised surface portion. The raised surface portion contacts the firearm when the lever is mounted thereon and prevents a remaining surface of the first surface from contacting the firearm.

In a particular example embodiment, the lever comprises a trunnion mounted on the plate. The trunnion projects transversely to the plate and the lever is pivotably movable on the trunnion when mounted on the firearm.

By way of further example, the lever comprises an actuating finger mounted on the plate. The actuating finger projects transversely to the plate and is engageable with a safety mechanism of the firearm when the lever is mounted thereon.

The invention also encompasses a firearm having a safety mechanism and a lever for actuating the safety mechanism. In an example embodiment the firearm comprises a plate movably mounted on the firearm. The plate has a first surface positioned in facing relation with the firearm and a second surface disposed oppositely thereto. A projection is mounted on and extends outwardly from the second surface. A portion of the first surface comprises a raised surface portion. The raised surface portion contacts the firearm and prevents a remaining surface of the first surface from contacting the firearm.

In another example embodiment of a firearm according to the invention, the lever further comprises a trunnion mounted on the plate. The trunnion projects transversely to the plate and is received within an opening in the firearm. The lever is pivotably movable on the trunnion relatively to the firearm for actuating the safety mechanism. By way of example the lever further comprises an actuating finger mounted on the first surface and projecting transversely thereto. The actuating finger is received within an opening in the firearm and is engageable with the safety mechanism. In a particular example embodiment, the firearm comprises a pistol.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a firearm, in this example, a semi-automatic pistol, according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of a portion of the firearm shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of an example safety mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken at line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of an example safety mechanism; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an example safety mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a firearm 10, in this example a self-loading pistol, having a frame 12, the frame having a centerline 14. A slide 16 is mounted on frame 12. Slide 16 is movable on frame 12 between a battery position (shown) and an open position and has at least one notch 18 positioned on one side of the slide 16. Firearm 10 also has a safety mechanism 20, which, as shown in FIG. 2, includes first and second levers 22 and 24 mounted on respective opposite sides of the frame 12. Levers 22 and 24 are rotatable about a pivot axis 26 between a safe position and a fire position. In the safe position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the first lever 22 engages the notch 18 in slide 16. In the fire position (not shown) the levers are rotated about axis 26 so that lever 22 does not engage notch 18 in the slide 16. Note also, as shown in FIG. 3, that the first lever 22, which a right handed shooter would actuate with his or her right thumb, has a projection 28 which engages an internal safety mechanism (not shown) of the firearm. The internal safety mechanism could be, for example, one which blocks the hammer, or the sear, or disengages the trigger from the sear. Regardless of the type of internal safety mechanism, it is clear from consideration of FIG. 3 that lever 22 directly actuates the internal safety mechanism of the firearm and that lever 24 actuates the internal safety mechanism by rotating lever 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, torque from lever 24 is transmitted to lever 22 through a shaft 30 which defines the pivot axis 26 of the levers. Shaft 30 extends between the levers 22 and 24 transversely to the centerline 14 through openings 32 in the frame (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, shaft 30 is integrally formed with the second lever 24 and is connected with the first lever 22 by a coupling 34. In the depicted example embodiment, coupling 34 comprises a collar 36 attached to lever 22. The collar 36 projects transversely to the centerline 14 and is received within the opening 32 in the frame 12. Collar 36 has a bore 38 that receives the shaft 30. The end 40 of shaft 30 comprises an externally threaded shank 42 that engages an internally threaded nut 44. Together the nut and shank form a threaded fastener positioned within the bore 38 of the collar 36 for securing the shaft 30 to lever 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, positive mechanical engagement between the collar 36 and the shaft 30 is afforded by keys 46 and keyways 48. In this example embodiment, keys 46 are integrally formed with the collar 36 and positioned within the bore 38. Keyways 48 (only one of which is shown) are positioned diametrically opposite to one another on the shaft 30. Advantageously, the keys 46 and keyways 48 are tapered. Tapered keys and keyways reduce the tolerance requirements between the collar 36 and the shaft 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the coupling 32, comprising the collar 36, threaded shank 42 and nut 44 are located within opening 32 of the frame 12 and offset from the centerline 14. This arrangement allows torque to be transmitted between the levers 22 and 24 reliably, without significant lost motion or yielding of the shaft 30 or its surfaces contacting the collar 36.

In another example embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the keys 46 project outwardly from the shaft 30 and the keyways 48 are positioned within the bore 38 of the collar 36. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the shaft 30 is integrally formed with lever 24 and connected to lever 22 via the coupling 34. FIG. 6 shows yet another example embodiment, wherein each end of shaft 30 is connected to a respective lever 22 and 24 by a coupling 34. In this example, both couplings are located within the frame of the firearm and offset from the centerline.

FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6 also illustrate an improved safety lever which does not leave visible marks or scratches on the frame 12 of the firearm 10. Prior art levers have a tendency to leave arc-shaped scratches on the frame resulting from their pivoting travel when the safety is actuated either on or off. To avoid this problem, as shown in FIG. 3, the levers 22 and 24 each comprise a plate 50 having a first surface 52 positioned in facing relation with the firearm 10, and a second surface 54 (see FIG. 1) disposed oppositely thereto and facing away from the firearm. A projection 56 is mounted on the second surface 54. The projection extends outwardly and provides purchase for manual actuation of the safety, for example by the thumb of a shooter. As shown in FIG. 3, a portion of the first surface 52 comprises a raised surface portion 58. Raised surface portion 58 contacts the firearm, for example, the frame 12 shown in FIG. 1, and prevents the remaining surface 60 of the first surface 52 from contacting the frame. Although the raised surface portions 58 will bear against the frame and remove the surface finish when the levers 22 and 24 are moved relatively to the firearm, by positioning the raised surface portions 58 on the first surfaces 52 of the plates 50 facing the firearm, any marks on the frame cause by contact between it and the raised surface portions 58 will be hidden by the plate 50.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the levers 22 and 24 are pivoting type levers and therefore comprise trunnions 62 on which the levers pivot. The trunnions 62 are mounted on the plate 50 and project transversely thereto. The trunnions are received within openings in the frame 12 of the firearm 10, the frame supporting the trunnions in their pivoting motion. Note for example, collar 36 comprises the trunnion for lever 22 and shaft 30 fulfills this role for lever 24. At least one of the levers, in this example 22, will also have an actuating finger 64, here in the form of projection 28, which is mounted on the plate 50 and projects transversely thereto. Actuating finger 64 extends through an opening in the frame 12 of the firearm 10 and engages the safety mechanism therewithin. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm, comprising: a frame having a centerline; a safety mechanism having a first lever mounted on a first side of said frame and a second lever mounted on a second side of said frame opposite to said first side thereof, each of said levers being rotatable between a safe position, preventing firearm discharge, and a fire position, permitting firearm discharge; a shaft extending between said first and second levers transversely to said centerline through an opening in said frame; a first coupling connecting said shaft to said first lever, said first coupling being located within said opening in said frame and offset from said frame centerline.
 2. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein said first coupling comprises a collar attached to said first lever and projecting therefrom transversely to said frame centerline, said collar being received within said opening and having a bore receiving said shaft.
 3. The firearm according to claim 2, wherein said first coupling further comprises a threaded fastener positioned within said bore of said collar for securing said shaft to said lever.
 4. The firearm according to claim 3, wherein said threaded fastener comprises: an externally threaded shank located on an end of said shaft; an internally threaded nut engaged with said shank within said bore of said collar.
 5. The firearm according to claim 2, wherein said first coupling further comprises at least one key positioned within said bore of said collar, said shaft having at least one keyway receiving said at least one key and preventing relative rotation between said first lever and said shaft.
 6. The firearm according to claim 5, wherein said at least one key is integrally formed with said collar.
 7. The firearm according to claim 5, wherein said at least one key and said at least one keyway are tapered.
 8. The firearm according to claim 2, wherein said first coupling further comprises at least one key projecting outwardly from said shaft, said collar having at least one keyway positioned within said bore and receiving said at least one key and preventing relative rotation between said first lever and said shaft.
 9. The firearm according to claim 8, wherein said at least one key is integrally formed with said shaft.
 10. The firearm according to claim 2, wherein said first coupling further comprises a pair of keys positioned within said bore of said collar, said shaft having a pair of keyways receiving said pair of keys within said bore of said collar.
 11. The firearm according to claim 10, wherein said keys and said keyways are tapered.
 12. The firearm according to claim 1, wherein said shaft is integrally formed with said second lever.
 13. The firearm according to claim 1, further comprising a second coupling connecting said shaft to said second lever.
 14. The firearm according to claim 13, wherein said second coupling is located within said opening in said frame and offset from said frame centerline oppositely disposed to said first coupling.
 15. A pistol, comprising: a frame having a centerline; a slide mounted on said frame and movable between a battery position and an open position, said slide having a notch positioned on one side thereof; a safety mechanism having a first lever mounted on a first side of said frame and a second lever mounted on a second side of said frame opposite to said first side thereof, each of said levers being rotatable between a safe position, wherein at least one of said levers engages said notch when said slide is in said battery position, and a fire position, wherein said at least one lever is not in engagement with said notch when said slide is in said battery position; a shaft extending between said first and second levers transversely to said centerline through an opening in said frame; a first coupling connecting said shaft to said first lever, said first coupling being located within said opening in said frame and offset from said frame centerline.
 16. The pistol according to claim 15, wherein said first coupling comprises a collar attached to said first lever and projecting therefrom transversely to said frame centerline, said collar being received within said opening and having a bore receiving said shaft.
 17. The pistol according to claim 16, wherein said first coupling further comprises a threaded fastener positioned within said bore of said collar for securing said shaft to said lever.
 18. The pistol according to claim 17, wherein said threaded fastener comprises: an externally threaded shank located on an end of said shaft; an internally threaded nut engaged with said shank within said bore of said collar.
 19. The pistol according to claim 16, wherein said first coupling further comprises at least one key positioned within said bore of said collar and integrally formed therewith, said shaft having at least one keyway receiving said at least one key and preventing relative rotation between said first lever and said shaft.
 20. The pistol according to claim 19, wherein said at least one key and said at least one keyway are tapered.
 21. The pistol according to claim 16, wherein said first coupling further comprises a pair of keys positioned within said bore of said collar and integrally formed therewith, said shaft having a pair of keyways receiving said pair of keys within said bore of said collar.
 22. The pistol according to claim 21, wherein said keys and said keyways are tapered.
 23. The pistol according to claim 15, wherein said shaft is integrally formed with said second lever.
 24. A lever for actuating a safety mechanism of a firearm, said lever comprising: a plate having a first surface positionable in facing relation with said firearm and a second surface disposed oppositely thereto; a projection mounted on and extending outwardly from said second surface; and a portion of said first surface comprising a raised surface portion, said raised surface portion contacting said firearm when said lever is mounted thereon and preventing a remaining surface of said first surface from contacting said firearm.
 25. The lever according to claim 24, further comprising a trunnion mounted on said plate and projecting transversely thereto, said lever being pivotably movable on said trunnion when mounted on said firearm.
 26. The lever according to claim 24, further comprising an actuating finger mounted on said plate and projecting transversely thereto, said actuating finger being engageable with a safety mechanism of said firearm when said lever is mounted thereon.
 27. A firearm having a safety mechanism and a lever for actuating said safety mechanism, said lever comprising: a plate movably mounted on said firearm, said plate having a first surface positioned in facing relation with said firearm and a second surface disposed oppositely thereto; a projection mounted on and extending outwardly from said second surface; and a portion of said first surface comprising a raised surface portion, said raised surface portion contacting said firearm and preventing a remaining surface of said first surface from contacting said firearm.
 28. The firearm according to claim 27, wherein said lever further comprises a trunnion mounted on said plate and projecting transversely thereto, said trunnion being received within an opening in said firearm, said lever being pivotably movable on said trunnion relatively to said firearm for actuating said safety mechanism.
 29. The firearm according to claim 27, wherein said lever further comprises an actuating finger mounted on said first surface and projecting transversely thereto, said actuating finger being received within an opening in said firearm and engageable with said safety mechanism.
 30. The firearm according to claim 27, wherein said firearm comprises a pistol. 